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Best children and parenting books for July

As the summer holidays approach, here's a few books to keep your little ones amused during all those long journeys or waits at the airport!

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9 months+: Slow Snail

Mary Murphy’s Slow Snail is a truly lovely story for little ones. So often with first books the story comes second to the design and all the touch-and-feel elements, but here the tale itself is really charming as snail tries to get home for dinner. Little fingers will also love tracing the shiny trail and seeing where Snail’s journey takes her next!

Published by BabyWalker, 5th July, priced £4.99

12 months+: Hey Diddle Diddle

Hey Diddle Diddle contains all the classic nursery rhymes - Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty and Little Miss Muffet and is beautifully illustrated by Gill Guile. Great for a singalong, this chunky, padded board book is also perfect for little hands to handle.

Published by Little Tiger Press, 2nd July, priced £6.99

3+: Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom: The Big Farm Picture Book & CD

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom: The Big Farm Picture Book & CD follows Fairy Princess Holly, Ben Elf and their friends as they visit the Elf Farm. Nanny Plum is on hand as always as they try to find out where carrots and eggs come from. From the creators of Peppa Pig, this has all the trademark humour you would expect. Great for the car as the accompanying CD features lots of funny farm noises.

Published by Ladybird, 5th July, priced £7.99

4+: The Usborne Big Book of Big Bugs

The Usborne Big Book of Big Bugs will keep budding botanists busy for hours. Chapters include Deadliest Bugs, Wonderful Wings and Hidden Bugs - and there are giant fold-out pages, which really bring the creatures to life. The facts are delivered in bite-size chunks - just enough information to satisfy little minds.

Published by Usborne Books, 1st July, priced £9.99

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5+: London for Children

As all eyes once again turn to London for the Olympic Games, Macmillan has published a lovely book all about the capital. Written and illustrated by Matteo Pericoli, London for Children is a fascinating, fact-filled journey along the River Thames. Open one way for a trip down the North Bank and then flip over for an adventure along the South Bank. You’ll find out all about the Romans, bloody battles and the “great stink”.

Published by Macmillan, 5th July, priced £14.99

Parenting title: Baby Management for Men

Baby Management for Men is described as a book for men who hate to read. Written by Henk Hanssen, this is a very practical guide written in way men can understand: “Input: How do I feed the baby? - Output: How do I change his nappy? - Communication: How do I understand why the baby is crying? - Profit: What do I gain from being a father?” It's fun, factual and bang up to date.

Published by Pinter & Martin, 16th July, priced £9.99

Parenting title: The Day By Day Baby Book

The Day By Day Baby Book is a beautifully laid-out, clear and comprehensive guide to every single day of your baby’s development and your journey as a new parent. As a follow-up to the successful Day By Day Pregnancy Book, this is the perfect reference to help you through that important first year. Packed with unbiased advice it also has plenty of tips to help put your mind at rest.